He built an appraisal empire from scratch—without an MLS, fancy tools, or even a clear roadmap.

In this episode of Appraisers on Purpose, legendary New York appraiser Jonathan Miller reveals how he turned chaos into clarity—and built a long-lasting business in one of the most complicated real estate markets in the world.

While most professionals wait for better tools or more structure, Jonathan did the opposite. Working in Manhattan with no MLS and limited public data, he and his team hand-built a proprietary database by calling brokers and collecting information manually.

But Jonathan’s story isn’t just about overcoming inefficiencies—it’s about embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. From Scantron forms to strategic systems, he shares how simple tools and sharp thinking can outpace flashy tech.

He also opens up about lessons learned from his father’s rollercoaster career and why building something sustainable mattered more than chasing the next big thing.

Whether you’re new to appraisal or a seasoned pro, this episode is a powerful reminder that innovation often starts with what’s already in your hands.

Tune in to hear Jonathan Miller’s journey of resilience, reinvention, and thinking differently—on purpose.